Strengths Weaknesses

Player Overview

04/30/2012 - With no picks in the first two rounds and little to no ammunition with which to trade up, the Saints had to do what they could with what they had on the final two days of the draft. While they felt they already had their first-round pick, which they acquired on the first night of last year's draft when they made a deal to get running back Mark Ingram, they didn't feel all that bad about not having a full complement of selections. So when they finally went to work Friday night, the Saints looked first to defense where they needed a few pieces to help shore up a unit that gave up 41 and 36 points in their playoff losses in 2010 and '11. Two of their top three picks -- defensive tackle Akiem Hicks and cornerback Corey White -- will likely have to learn the ropes because they're coming from smaller schools. But the Saints have the luxury of doing that since they were looking for depth that can be groomed for the future. Hicks, however, might have a better than even chance at seeing some early playing time if he can pick up new defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's system in a hurry. The Saints also did a good job of trying to add some depth where it was needed on offense -- taking wide receiver Nick Toon in the fourth round and mammoth guard Andrew Tiller and tackle Marcel Jones in the sixth and seventh rounds. BEST PICK Defensive tackle Akiem Hicks: The Saints added Brodrick Bunkley in free agency to pair with Sedrick Ellis, but they needed some more depth. Hicks is a raw talent, but the Saints love his size at 6-4 and 324 pounds and imposing wingspan. - The Sports Xchange